Iconic building in Barcelona
The iconic building located next to Barceloneta Beach, popularly known as the Hotel Vela due to its distinctive shape, is one of the landmarks of Barcelona’s modern skyline. Opened in 2009 and offering nearly 500 rooms, it is entering a new renovation phase in 2025 aimed at improving its energy efficiency and climate-control systems.
As part of this project, the property has incorporated three EWK I 930 cooling towers, closed‑circuit units equipped with external plate heat exchangers.
Thanks to their compact design and factory pre‑assembly, the EWK towers enabled a fast and efficient installation, even considering the logistical challenges posed by the building’s height.
Each tower has been supplied with its own independent control panel, from which multiple parameters can be monitored through integrated sensors. This allows real‑time insight into system performance, optimizes energy consumption, and maximizes cooling efficiency.
Another key feature is that the casing, fill, and drift eliminator are made from ®SANIPACKING anti‑Legionella material—an essential characteristic for equipment used in building HVAC systems, as it helps prevent the proliferation of this bacteria and ensures safe operation.
Finally, and equally important, the towers include access elements such as ladders/walkways and doors/windows to facilitate both external and internal maintenance tasks.




